Description
Individuals, businesses and organizations encouraged to participate virtually by submitting a luminary message, turning on exterior lights
On March 16, 2020, when the first case of COVID-19 at Tidelands Health was diagnosed, the world was gripped by uncertainty about the new and mysterious virus. In the 12 months since, that uncertainty has given way to fear, loss and, most recently, hope brought about by a lifesaving vaccine.
Tidelands Health will mark the first anniversary of the health system’s initial COVID-19 case with “Lights to Remember, Hope for Tomorrow.” The luminary observance will pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to the virus, offer thanks for those who have recovered, honor the region’s health care heroes and celebrate the promise of the COVID-19 vaccine.
More than 700 luminaries – each representing a life lost to COVID-19 in Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties – will be displayed at four Tidelands Health locations March 16 at 7 p.m. The luminaries are planned as a silent but powerful reminder, even as the health system and region look to a brighter tomorrow.
Luminaries will shine outside Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet, Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital, Tidelands Health Medical Park at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach and Tidelands Health Rehabilitation Hospital at Little River, an affiliate of Encompass Health. Each location will display more than 700 luminaries.
“This observance will be a moment of remembrance for all the lives lost to COVID-19 in our region and a testament to the perseverance of our health care providers and community,” said Gayle Resetar, the health system’s chief operating officer. “As we pause on March 16 to remember all we’ve lost, we also know our hope for the future can shine brightly as vaccine distribution continues. Better days are ahead.”
To adhere to COVID-19 safety protocols, there will be no public gathering March 16, but there are several ways for community residents, businesses, schools, churches and organizations to participate in this special observance:
- Turn on your exterior lights the evening of March 16. Honor those lost to COVID-19 by turning on the exterior lights at your home, business, church or organization March 16 at 7 p.m.
- Write a luminary message. Community members are encouraged to submit a message of remembrance, hope, resilience or compassion at tidelandshealth.org/lights/. Submitted messages may be displayed on a luminary bag. Deadline to submit a luminary message is March 9 at 5 p.m.
- Post on social media. Community members, businesses and organizations can download and print a “Lights to Remember, Hope for Tomorrow” sign at tidelandshealth.org to post in their window or hold up for a photo and share on social media with the hashtag #LightstoRemember.
“Our hope is this event will offer a quiet but powerful moment of reflection,” Resetar said. “Even as we grieve all we’ve lost, we celebrate the resilience of our community’s spirit. Together, we hold tight to the promise of a brighter tomorrow.”
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NOTE to media: There will be no public gathering for the luminary observance on the evening of March 16, but journalists are welcome to visit Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital, 4070 U.S. 17 Bypass in Murrells Inlet, at 6:45 p.m. March 16 to get photos/video as Tidelands Health team members light the final luminaries and observe a moment of silence. Tidelands Health leaders will be available to interview. Journalists who wish to attend must contact Dawn Bryant in advance at dbryant@tidelandshealth.org.
About Tidelands Health
Tidelands Health is the region’s largest health care provider and MUSC Health affiliate, serving the Carolinas at four hospitals and more than 60 outpatient locations. More than 2,500 employee, physician and volunteer partners work side by side with our communities to transform the health of our region – promoting wellness, preventing illness, encouraging recovery and restoring health.